Can Cats Eat Cottage Cheese? Lactose, Fat and Safe Serving Sizes

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Cottage cheese is a familiar, humble food, and some cats go wild for it. Because dairy and cats have a complicated relationship, owners are right to be careful. Here is what to consider before sharing a spoonful.

Cats and lactose

Kittens produce lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose, the sugar in milk. As cats mature, many make less, and become lactose intolerant to some degree. When they eat too much lactose, it ferments in the gut, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. See can cats drink milk. The degree varies by cat, so some tolerate small amounts while others react to a taste.

Why cottage cheese is gentler than milk

During cheese making, much of the whey, which holds most of the lactose, is drained away. Fresh cheeses such as cottage cheese retain some lactose, but far less than milk, and aged cheeses retain very little. That is why a spoonful of cottage cheese is less likely to upset a cat than a saucer of milk. See can cats eat cheese.

Nutrition

Cottage cheese contains protein, calcium and some B vitamins. These are not nutrients a healthy cat on a complete diet is lacking. Cottage cheese also contains sodium, and some fat. Cats do not need dairy.

Safe serving

• Plain. No fruit, herbs, onion, garlic, chives or sweeteners. See are onions and garlic toxic to cats and is xylitol toxic to cats.
• Low-fat and low-sodium, if possible.
• A small amount: about a teaspoon for a typical cat, once in a while.
• Fresh, and refrigerated.
• Try first in a tiny amount, and wait a day to see how your cat reacts.

Who should skip it

• Cats with known lactose intolerance, or dairy allergy.
• Cats with kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure, because of the sodium and phosphorus. See chronic kidney disease in cats.
• Cats with pancreatitis, or a history of it.
• Overweight and diabetic cats, as it adds calories. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.
• Kittens, and very young animals.

Signs of trouble

Gas, loose stool, vomiting, belly pain or itching after cottage cheese mean your cat should not have dairy. Mild signs usually pass within a day. If vomiting or diarrhea persists, call your vet. See diarrhea in cats.

Using cottage cheese for medication

Some owners try to hide pills in cottage cheese. A tiny amount works, but ask your vet whether the medicine can be given with dairy, since some antibiotics bind with calcium. Pill pockets and wet food are alternatives. See how to give a cat a pill.

Better treat choices

Small pieces of cooked chicken, plain cooked fish and freeze-dried meat treats are more suitable than dairy. See healthy cat treats and can cats eat chicken.

How cottage cheese compares with other dairy

Hard cheeses such as cheddar have very little lactose but are high in fat and salt. Yogurt contains live cultures and moderate lactose. Milk has the most lactose. Cottage cheese falls in the middle, with moderate lactose and a lot of sodium in many brands. None of these foods is necessary, and the safest dairy amount for most cats is none or a tiny taste. See can cats eat yogurt and can cats eat cheese.

Reading the label

Choose plain cottage cheese with a short ingredient list, such as milk, cream, salt and cultures. Avoid versions with fruit, chives, garlic or onion, artificial sweeteners or added gums. Check sodium per serving, and pick the lowest. Do not use whipped or flavored cottage cheese.

Dairy and weight

Cottage cheese adds protein, but also calories. A tablespoon holds about 15 to 25 calories, which is a meaningful share of a small cat's daily needs of around 200 calories. If your cat is overweight, skip it. See how much should I feed my cat.

If your cat steals a larger amount

If your cat licks a bowl of cottage cheese, expect possible gas or soft stool. Offer water, skip the next treat and watch for vomiting. Call your vet if signs last more than a day or two, or if the cheese contained onion, chives or garlic.

Quick checklist before you share

Check that the cottage cheese is plain, low in sodium and fresh. Offer one teaspoon, and watch your cat for a day. If there is no gas, soft stool or vomiting, an occasional teaspoon is fine. If there is any upset, skip dairy from then on, and choose a meat-based treat.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat has ongoing digestive upset after dairy. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.